Visual voice mail delivery mechanisms

ABSTRACT

A method of selecting a distribution list for a voice mail message. The steps include identifying a group of recipients with whom to share the voice mail message, creating a user profile which includes voice mail preferences of a subscriber and the group of recipients, the preferences including an indication as whether to share the voice mail message with the group of recipients and distributing the voice mail message based on the preferences.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related by subject matter to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 13/297,731, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,489,075 filed Nov. 16, 2011;U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/274,944, filed Oct. 17, 2011; U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/277,589, filed Oct. 20, 2011; and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/287,324, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,515,029filed Nov. 2, 2011. The entirety of each application is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is directed to visual voice mail generally, and morespecifically, to systems and methods for customized visual voice maildelivery.

BACKGROUND

The emergence of visual voice mail has made the use of voice mail moreconvenient and user friendly. This is especially true for heavy userswho may have dozens of unread voice mails at one time stored on a serverfor delivery. Rather than have to serially listen to each individualvoice mail message, visual voice mail users are able to see a summary ofthe incoming messages and select which messages to review and in whichorder to review them.

Some advanced voice mail systems also will translate voice messages totext messages in order to deliver voice mail messages in a moreconvenient format for some users under some circumstances. Voice mailindication signals are also used for the convenience of the subscriberto indicate the receipt of a voice mail.

Mobile long term evolution (LTE) networks are also being deployed. Suchhigh speed networks may more efficiently transport voice and data amongand between users. Thus there is a need to be able to adapt visual voicemail features and functionality in order to take advantage of LTE.

SUMMARY

This disclosure is directed to a method of selecting a distribution listfor a voice mail message including the steps of identifying a group ofrecipients with whom to share the voice mail message. creating a userprofile which includes voice mail preferences of a subscriber and thegroup of recipients, the preferences including an indication as whetherto share the voice mail message with the group of recipients, anddistributing the voice mail message based on the preferences. The methodmay also include wherein the voice mail message is distributed to thegroup of recipients and wherein the voice mail message is converted to atext message and the text message may be amended by one or more membersof the group of recipients. The method may further include wherein thetext message is amended by one of editing a portion of the text message,deleting a portion of the text message and adding to the text message.The group may be part of a social networking group. The subscriber mayoverride the user profile to change the distribution for an individualvoice mail message. The method may further include determining thesender of the voice mail wherein the distributing step is based on thedetermining step.

The present disclosure is also directed to a method of selecting adelivery time of a voice mail message in a network including the stepsof identifying a criteria for delivery of a voice mail message,monitoring the load of the network, and delivering the voice mailmessage at a time determined based on the criteria and the monitoringstep. The criteria may be the presence of a subscriber, a preference ofa delivery time of day of the subscriber, and the availability of asubscriber.

The present disclosure is also directed to a method for delivering voicemail to a subscriber including converting the voice mail message totext, partitioning the text into segments, delivering a first segment tothe subscriber, receiving an indication from the subscriber that asecond segment is to be delivered to the subscriber and delivering asecond segment based on the receiving step. Additionally the firstsegment may be sent to a recipient in addition to the subscriber whereinthe second segment is delivered to the recipient upon receipt of anindication from the recipient and wherein the second segment isdelivered to the recipient independent of whether there is a receipt ofan indication from the subscriber. The recipient may be part of a socialnetwork.

The present disclosure is also directed to a method for delivering voicemail to a subscriber including decomposing the voice mail message toobjects, presenting the objects to the subscriber for viewing, receivingan indication from the subscriber that the subscriber desires deliveryof the voice mail message, and delivering the voice mail message to thesubscriber based on the receiving step. The voice mail message may alsobe delivered to a recipient in addition to the subscriber including whenthe subscriber is part of a social network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description is better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system diagram in which an embodiment of the disclosure maybe implemented;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart is accordance with an embodiment of thedisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart in accordance with an alternative embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart in accordance with an alternative embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart in accordance with an alternative embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart in accordance with an alternative embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart in accordance with an alternative embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart in accordance with an alternative embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart in accordance with an alternative embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart in accordance with an alternative embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart in accordance with an alternative embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart in accordance with an alternative embodiment ofthe disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an example device that is configurable tobe compatible with visual voice mail systems;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an example network entity configurable tobe compatible with visual voice mail systems;

FIG. 15 depicts an overall block diagram of an exemplary packet-basedmobile cellular network environment, such as a GPRS network, in whichvisual voice mail systems can be implemented.

FIG. 16 illustrates an architecture of a typical GPRS network in whichvisual voice mail systems can be implemented.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary block diagram view of a GSM/GPRS/IPmultimedia network architecture within which visual voice mail systemscan be implemented.

FIG. 18 illustrates a PLMN block diagram view of an exemplaryarchitecture in which visual voice mail systems may be incorporated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the description that follows, the “recipient” or “subscriber” areused interchangeably and should be interpreted as the called party forwhom the visual voice mail is intended.

With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown the system 10 which may beconstructed in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Thereis a network 12 which in a preferred embodiment, is the Internet usingstandard IP protocols. There is also shown a wireless communicationdevice 14 in communication with a cellular antenna 16 connected by awireless network. The wireless network may be a Long Term Evolution(LTE) network, also known as 4G, or any type of cellular network,including but not limited to GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, 3GPP, Edge, 4G, or anyother type of cellular network, and may also be any other type ofwireless network, including WI-FI, WI-max, WLAN or any other type ofwireless network capable of transmitting data. Attached to the network12 are one or more network devices 26 a, 26 b such as workstations, itbeing understood by those skilled in the art that such peripheraldevices may also include netbook computers, PDA's, internet-enabledmobile telephones, and any other peripheral device capable or sending orreceiving data to and from the Internet Also attached to the network isa visual voice mail server (VVM) 18 which is in direct communicationwith other servers 20, including a presence server. The presence orother servers 20 are also in direct communication with the network 12and may, for example, include location servers, presence servers,advertising servers, or any other type of server provided either bywireless network operators or by third parties. The VVM server 18 isalso in direct communication with a text conversion server 24 which iscapable of converting visual voice mail from text to speech and speechto text. There is also a database 30 which is accessible over thenetwork 12 by a user of a mobile device 14 or the VVM server 18 or anyof the other servers 20 which are authorized to access the database 30.The database may, for example, include provisioning information,subscription information, preference information or other networkcontrol or user information relating to the user of the mobile device14. The database may be standalone or be part of other databases thatservice the network, including home location registers (HLRs) or visitorlocation registers (VLRs). Also shown connected to the network 12 inFIG. 1 is a social media function 22, which may, for example, includeaccess to Facebook®, Twitter®, Linked-In®

In accordance with an embodiment, visual voice mail may be converted totext depending upon the parameters associated with the recipient'sdevice. More specifically, this embodiment is directed to a profile thatallows a subscriber to selectably convert voice mail to text when thesubscriber is unavailable to listen to the voice mail. Voice mail totext conversion is based on a request and initiation of the subscriberby the subscriber adjusting his or her profile. Conversion may occur onthe device. The profile may be updated via email, SMS, or anycombination of known techniques. Thereafter, when a subscriber isunavailable to listen to a voice mail, the voice mail is converted to atext message. The subscriber may be unavailable because the subscriber'sdevice is not capable of delivering a voice mail, the subscriber is inan area that may not accommodate a voice mail (e.g., library), or thelike. The voice mail may be a visual voice mail or an audio only voicemail. In an example scenario, the subscriber activates the voice mail totext conversion. Activation can be via a button on the receiving device,a softkey, an audio command, a movement of the device, or the like. Inaccordance with FIG. 2, a visual voice mail is received at 50. At 52, adetermination is made as to whether the subscriber has designated thevisual voice mail be converted to text. If no, the visual voice mail isdelivered at 56. If the subscriber has designated the conversion totext, a check is made at 54 to determine if the subscriber isunavailable. If yes, then the visual voice mail is converted to text anddelivered at 58. If the subscriber is available at 54, then the visualvoice mail is delivered at 56. Thus, while the subscriber is unavailableto listen to a voice mail message, the voice mail to text conversionbecomes the alternative delivery method for voice mail to the subscriberuntil the subscriber's availability changes or the user preferencesetting changes.

In accordance with a second embodiment, visual voice mail is deliveredin accordance with a user programmable delay. More specifically, thisembodiment is directed to load balancing via a user programmable delayof delivery of a voice mail message. A voice mail and/or text messageconverted from a voice mail can be delivered after a predeterminedamount of time elapses. In an alternative configuration, the message maybe delivered at any appropriate time within a window of time dependingupon network availability. Thus, network load can be balanced duringthat window of time. For example, if a subscriber's profile indicatesthat the subscriber does not want to receive voice mail messages betweenmidnight and 6:00 AM but will accept a delay based on networkavailability, the network may decide when to send the message(s) duringthe window when the subscriber is accepting voicemail deliveries. By wayof example only and with reference to FIG. 3, a visual voice mail isreceived at 60. If the user has specified times for delivery at 62, thenthe network determines the load at 64 and delivers the visual voice mailat 68 when there is no network delay during the window allowed by thesubscriber. If there is a network delay at 64, or if the time period isoutside the time specified by the subscriber at 62, the visual voicemail is held for delivery and the process continues at 62.

An alternative to that example may be that the subscriber sets theprofile to indicate that only condensed versions of the voice mail besent during specified times. If a subscriber is busy or has a limitedamount of time, the subscriber may activate a profile setting to provideor receive a condensed version of a full message. Accordingly, a limitedversion of a voice mail is delivered or sent such that a brief summarythe message is delivered or received. Upon receiving the condensedversion, a recipient may then request the full message. This option maybe used in conjunction of the example set forth in FIG. 3 orindependently of that embodiment.

In accordance with a third embodiment, visual voice mail may beimplemented within a social network. More specifically, this embodimentis directed to sharing a voice mail with authorized users within asocial network. In an example configuration as set forth in FIG. 4, avisual voice mail is received at 70 by one subscriber in the socialnetwork. At 72, a determination is made as to whether the subscriber hasenabled a social network group to receive the visual voice mail. If no,the visual voice mail is delivered to the subscriber at 74. If thesubscriber has enabled the social network group to receive the visualvoice mail, the message is automatically is delivered to the remaininglist of recipients who have been accepted into a social network of thesubscriber at 76. In an variation of this example, voice mails may beappended/concatenated with other voice mails within the social network.

In accordance with a fourth embodiment and with reference to FIG. 5,visual voice mail is converted to text and implemented in a socialnetwork. A visual voice mail is received at 80 by one subscriber in thesocial network. At 82, the visual voice mail is converted to text. At84, a determination is made as to whether the subscriber has enabled asocial network group to receive the converted voice mail. If no, theconverted voice mail is delivered to the subscriber at 89. If thesubscriber has enabled the social network group to receive the convertedvisual voice mail, the message is automatically is delivered to theremaining list of recipients who have been accepted into a socialnetwork of the subscriber at 88. In an variation of this example, voicemails may be appended/concatenated with other converted voice mailswithin the social network.

In accordance with a fifth embodiment and with reference to FIG. 6, avisual voice mail may be transcribed to text via a system switch. At 90,the visual voice mail server receives a new incoming voice message. At92 the visual voice mail server transcribes the voice message to text.At 94, the visual voice mail server sends the message waitingnotification indicator to the subscriber. The message waitingnotification indicator also provides an interface to the system whichinforms allow the system to select and determine whether the subscriberdesires to receive the text transcription together with the audio file,a determination which is made at 96. If the system indicates that thesubscriber should receive both an audio file and a text file, then bothaudio and text are delivered at 98. If the system indicates that thesubscriber should only receive a voice message, then the voice messageis delivered at 100. The order of this exemplary embodiment may bealtered such that the conversion to text only occurs after the dual modeis selected at 96.

In accordance with a sixth embodiment and with reference to FIG. 7, avisual voice mail may be transcribed to text via a user selectableswitch. At 102, the visual voice mail server receives a new incomingvoice message. At 104 the visual voice mail server transcribes the voicemessage to text. At 106, the visual voice mail server sends the messagewaiting notification indicator to the subscriber. The message waitingnotification indicator also provides the opportunity for the subscriberto select and determine whether the subscriber desires to receive thetext transcription together with the audio file, a determination whichis made at 108. If the subscriber indicates that the subscriber shouldreceive both an audio file and a text file, then both audio and text aredelivered at 110. If the subscriber indicates that the subscriber shouldonly receive a voice message, then only the voice message is deliveredat 112. The order of this exemplary embodiment may be altered such thatthe conversion to text only occurs after the dual mode is selected at108.

In accordance with a seventh embodiment and with reference to FIG. 8, avisual voice mail may be transcribed to text via a subscriber'spresence. At 120, the visual voice mail server receives a new incomingvoice message. At 122 the visual voice mail server transcribes the voicemessage to text. At 124, the visual voice mail server sends the messagewaiting notification indicator to the subscriber. The message waitingnotification indicator also provides an interface to a presence serverto determine whether the subscriber's presence indicates that thesubscriber should receive the text transcription together with the audiofile, a determination which is made at 126. If the presence serverindicates that the subscriber should receive both an audio file and atext file, then both audio and text are delivered at 128. If thepresence server indicates that the subscriber should only receive avoice message, then only the voice message is delivered at 130. Theorder of this exemplary embodiment may be altered such that theconversion to text only occurs after the dual mode is selected at 126.

In accordance with an eighth embodiment and with reference to FIG. 9,the visual voice mail may be partitioned into multiple text data flowsand delivered incrementally at the request of the subscriber. Eachindividual data flow of text transcription includes an individualsegment of the voice message. This allows the recipient to receive andread the text transcription message incrementally based on whether theof text transcription message is of interest to the subscriber. At 134,the visual voice mail is received. At 136, the visual voice mail isconverted to text and partitioned into individual data flows. At 138, apartition is downloaded via text message to the subscriber. At 140, thesubscriber determines whether to continue receiving the text messagewith the next subsequent partitioned data flow. If the subscriberdesires to continue, then 138 is repeated. If the subscriber does notwish to continue or if the last data flow has been delivered, theprocess stops at 142.

In accordance with a ninth embodiment and with reference to FIG. 10, thevisual voice mail may be partitioned into multiple voice flows anddelivered incrementally at the request of the subscriber. Each voiceflow includes an individual segment of the voice message. This allowsthe recipient to listen to the message incrementally based on whetherthe of message is of interest to the subscriber. At 150, the visualvoice mail is received. At 152 he visual voice mail is partitioned intoindividual data flows. At 154 a voice partition is downloaded to thesubscriber. At 156, the subscriber determines whether to continuereceiving the voice message with the next subsequent partitioned voiceflow. If the subscriber desires to continue, then 154 is repeated. Ifthe subscriber does not wish to continue or if the last voice flow hasbeen delivered, the process stops at 158.

In accordance with a tenth embodiment and with reference to FIG. 11, thevisual voice mail may be decomposed into objects which are viewed priorto downloading. This allows the recipient to view the objects accordingto a class-based paradigm, which may, for example, be a subject ofinterest such as a birthday party, a hobby, or any other type ofclassification. At 160, the visual voice mail is received. At 162 hevisual voice mail is decomposed into one or more objects. At 164 one ormore objects are presented to the subscriber. At 166, the subscriberdetermines whether any of the objects are of interest. If the subscriberdetermines there in an object of interest, that voice message isdownloaded from the server, either via voice or through a textconversion. If the subscriber does not see an object of interest at 166,then the process continues with the viewing of additional objects, ifany

In yet another embodiment and with reference to FIG. 12, the visualvoice mail is delivered via push mailbox messaging. The push mechanismmay be scheduled in accordance with a priority as determined by thesubscriber or based on traffic conditions. At 170, the visual voice mailservice receives notification that the received messages are to bedeposited into a subscriber mailbox. At 172, the visual voice mailserver reviews the total volume of messages to be delivered. At 174, thevisual voice mail server determines the priority of each message asdetermined by the subscriber. For example, the subscriber may prioritizemessages based on the caller, for example, a family member, spouse, aboss or a customer. The subscriber may indicate priority by developing aprofile based on calling party identification. Alternatively, thesubscriber may indicate priority based on age of the messages (i.e.,newer messages delivered first or last) or based on the time of day eachmessage was received. At 176, the visual voice mail server determinesthe loading of the network. At 178, the visual voice mail serverschedules the order of delivery based on the subscriber-identifiedpriority and network loading. At 180, the visual voice mail is pushed tothe subscriber's mailbox in accordance with the priority.

In accordance with yet another embodiment, the visual voice mail may bedelivered via an long term evolution (‘LTE”) system, which may, forexample, include a virtual channel connection to the visual voice mailserver. The embodiment, may, for example, include a circuitswitched/packet switched handover. The circuit switched voice call maybe maintained through a handover using a virtual channel connectionwhich allows the packet switched network to retrieve the visual voicemail from the visual voice mail server. The circuit switched call may,for example, be a multi-party call to enable multiple parties to share,annotate or discuss the visual voice mail content or the text conversionthereof. The visual voice mail and/or text translation may be deliveredvia the packet switched network, for example, the GGSN, or the IMS,depending on availability.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an example device 436 that may, forexample be a smartphone or other mobile device and which is configurableto receive voice mail. The device 436 can include any appropriatedevice, mechanism, software, and/or hardware for distributingconnectivity and/or transmission time as described herein. As describedherein, the device 436 comprises hardware, or a combination of hardwareand software. And, each portion of the device 436 comprises hardware, ora combination of hardware and software. In an example configuration, thedevice 436 can comprise a processing portion 438, a memory portion 440,an input/output portion 442, a user interface (UI) portion 444, and asensor portion 446 comprising at least one of a video camera portion448, a force/wave sensor 450, a microphone 452, a moisture sensor 454,or a combination thereof. The force/wave sensor comprises at least oneof a motion detector, an accelerometer, an acoustic sensor, a tiltsensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, or the like. The motiondetector is configured to detect motion occurring outside of thecommunications device, for example via disturbance of a standing wave,via electromagnetic and/or acoustic energy, or the like. The acceleratoris capable of sensing acceleration, motion, and/or movement of thecommunications device. The acoustic sensor is capable of sensingacoustic energy, such as a noise, voice, etc., for example. The tiltsensor is capable of detecting a tilt of the communications device. Thepressure sensor is capable of sensing pressure against thecommunications device, such as from a shock wave caused by broken glassor the like. The temperature sensor is capable of sensing a measuringtemperature, such as inside of the vehicle, room, building, or the like.The moisture sensor 54 is capable of detecting moisture, such asdetecting if the device 436 is submerged in a liquid. The processingportion 438, memory portion 440, input/output portion 442, userinterface (UI) portion 444, video camera portion 448, force/wave sensor450, and microphone 452 are coupled together to allow communicationstherebetween (coupling not shown in FIG. 13).

In various embodiments, the input/output portion 442 comprises areceiver of the device 436, a transmitter of the device 436, or acombination thereof. The input/output portion 442 is capable ofreceiving and/or providing information pertaining to visual voice mailmessages as described herein or other communications with other devicesand device types. For example, the input/output portion 442 can includea wireless communications (e.g., 2.5G/3G/4G) SIM card. The input/outputportion 442 is capable of receiving and/or sending text information,video information, audio information, control information, imageinformation, data, an indication to initiate a connection, an indicationto initiate a transmission, start time information, end timeinformation, interval time information, interval length information,random number value information, connect time information, transmit timeinformation, parsing information, authentication information, or anycombination thereof. In an example configuration, the input\outputportion 442 comprises a GPS receiver. In an example configuration, thedevice 36 can determine its own geographical location through any typeof location determination system including, for example, the GlobalPositioning System (GPS), assisted GPS (A-GPS), time difference ofarrival calculations, configured constant location (in the case ofnon-moving devices), any combination thereof, or any other appropriatemeans. In various configurations, the input/output portion 442 canreceive and/or provide information via any appropriate means, such as,for example, optical means (e.g., infrared), electromagnetic means(e.g., RF, WI-FI, BLUETOOTH, ZIGBEE, etc.), acoustic means (e.g.,speaker, microphone, ultrasonic receiver, ultrasonic transmitter), or acombination thereof. In an example configuration, the input/outputportion comprises a WIFI finder, a two way GPS chipset or equivalent, orthe like.

The processing portion 438 is capable of processing voice mail asdescribed herein. The processing portion 438, in conjunction with anyother portion of the device 436, enables the device 436 to covert speechto text or convert text to speech.

In a basic configuration, the device 436 can include at least one memoryportion 440. The memory portion 440 can store any information utilizedin conjunction with voice mail as described herein. Depending upon theexact configuration and type of processor, the memory portion 40 can bevolatile (such as some types of RAM), non-volatile (such as ROM, flashmemory, etc.). The device 436 can include additional storage (e.g.,removable storage and/or non-removable storage) including, tape, flashmemory, smart cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, universal serial bus (USB)compatible memory, or the like. In an example configuration, the memoryportion 440, or a portion of the memory portion 440 is hardened suchthat information stored therein can be recovered if the device 436 isexposed to extreme heat, extreme vibration, extreme moisture, corrosivechemicals or gas, or the like. In an example configuration, theinformation stored in the hardened portion of the memory portion 440 isencrypted, or otherwise rendered unintelligible without use of anappropriate cryptographic key, password, biometric (voiceprint,fingerprint, retinal image, facial image, or the like). Wherein, use ofthe appropriate cryptographic key, password, biometric will render theinformation stored in the hardened portion of the memory portion 440intelligible.

The device 436 also can contain a UI portion 444 allowing a user tocommunicate with the device 436. The UI portion 444 is capable ofrendering any information utilized in conjunction the visual voice mailas described herein. For example, the UI portion 444 can provide meansfor entering text (including numbers), entering a phone number,rendering text, rendering images, rendering multimedia, rendering sound,rendering video, receiving sound, or the like, as described herein. TheUI portion 444 can provide the ability to control the device 436, via,for example, buttons, soft keys, voice actuated controls, a touchscreen, movement of the device 436, visual cues (e.g., moving a hand infront of a camera on the mobile device 436), or the like. The UI portion444 can provide visual information (e.g., via a display), audioinformation (e.g., via speaker), mechanically (e.g., via a vibratingmechanism), or a combination thereof. In various configurations, the UIportion 444 can comprise a display, a touch screen, a keyboard, aspeaker, or any combination thereof. The UI portion 444 can comprisemeans for inputting biometric information, such as, for example,fingerprint information, retinal information, voice information, and/orfacial characteristic information. The UI portion 444 can be utilized toenter an indication of the designated destination (e.g., the phonenumber, IP address, or the like).

In an example embodiment, the sensor portion 446 of the device 436comprises the video camera portion 448, the force/wave sensor 450, andthe microphone 452. The video camera portion 448 comprises a camera (orcameras) and associated equipment capable of capturing still imagesand/or video and to provide the captured still images and/or video toother portions of the device 436. In an example embodiment, theforce/wave sensor 450 comprises an accelerometer, a tilt sensor, anacoustic sensor capable of sensing acoustic energy, an optical sensor(e.g., infrared), or any combination thereof.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an example network entity 456 such as asmart phone configurable to facilitate a visual voice mail system asdescribed herein. In an example embodiment, the network entity 456comprises a network entity comprising hardware, or a combination ofhardware and software. And, each portion of the network entity 456comprises hardware, or a combination of hardware and software. When usedin conjunction with a network, the functionality needed to facilitatevisual voice mail processing may reside in any one or combination ofnetwork entities. The network entity 456 represents any appropriatenetwork entity, apparatus, or combination of network entities orapparatuses, such as a processor, a server, a gateway, etc., or anycombination thereof. It is emphasized that the block diagram depicted inFIG. 14 is exemplary and not intended to imply a specific implementationor configuration. Thus, the network entity 456 can be implemented in asingle processor or multiple processors (e.g., single server or multipleservers, single gateway or multiple gateways, etc.). Multiple networkentities can be distributed or centrally located. Multiple networkentities can communicate wirelessly, via hard wire, or a combinationthereof.

In an example configuration, the network entity 456 comprises aprocessing portion 458, a memory portion 460, and an input/outputportion 462. The processing portion 458, memory portion 460, andinput/output portion 462 are coupled together (coupling not shown inFIG. 14) to allow communications therebetween. The input/output portion462 is capable of receiving and/or providing information from/to adevice (e.g. device 436) and/or other network entity configured to beutilized in conjunction with visual voice mail services. For example,the input/output portion 462 is capable of, in conjunction with anyother portion of the network entity 456 as needed, receiving and/orsending text information, video information, audio information, controlinformation, image information, data, or any information relating tovisual voice mail, or any combination thereof.

The processing portion 458 is capable of performing functions associatedwith distributing connectivity and/or transmission time, as describedherein. For example, the processing portion 458 is capable of, inconjunction with any other portion of the network entity 456 as needed,executing an application for processing visual voice mail via the userinterface portion 444, processing text messages received via theinput/output portion 442, processing voice messages received via theinput/output portion 442, or the like, or any combination thereof.

The memory portion 460 can store any information utilized in conjunctionwith visual voice mail, as described herein. For example, the memoryportion 460 is capable of storing information pertaining to a starttime, an end time, an interval time, a random number value, a connecttime, a transmission time, parsing information, authenticatinginformation, hashing information, encrypting information, a location ofa device, a predetermined text/voice message, a text/voice message, apredetermined audio/text message, an audio/text message, subscriberprofile information, subscriber identification information, phonenumbers, an identification code of the communications device, videoinformation, audio information, control information, informationindicative sensor data (e.g., raw individual sensor information,combination of sensor information, processed sensor information, etc.),or a combination thereof. Depending upon the exact configuration andtype of network entity 456, the memory portion 460 can include acomputer storage medium, or media, that is volatile 464 (such as dynamicRAM), non-volatile 466 (such as ROM), or a combination thereof. Thenetwork entity 456 can include additional storage, in the form ofcomputer storage media (e.g., removable storage 468 and/or non-removablestorage 470) including, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, tape, flash memory, smartcards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage,magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, universal serial bus (USB) compatible memory.As described herein, a computer storage medium is an article ofmanufacture.

The network entity 456 also can contain communications connection(s) 476that allow the network entity 456 to communicate with other devices,network entities, or the like. A communications connection(s) cancomprise communication media. Communication media can be used tocommunicate computer readable instructions, data structures, programmodules, or other data. Communication media can include an appropriatetransport mechanism or information delivery media that can be used totransport a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave.

The network entity 456 also can include input device(s) 472 such askeyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, an opticalinput device, etc. Output device(s) 474 such as a display, speakers,printer, mechanical vibrators, etc. also can be included.

The communications device (e.g., device 436) and the network entity(network entity 456) can be part of and/or in communication with variouswireless communications networks. Some of which are described below.

FIG. 15 depicts an overall block diagram of an exemplary packet-basedmobile cellular network environment, such as a GPRS network, in whichvisual voice mail may be implemented. In the exemplary packet-basedmobile cellular network environment, there are a plurality of BaseStation Subsystems (“BSS”) 500 (only one is shown), each of whichcomprises a Base Station Controller (“BSC”) 502 serving a plurality ofBase Transceiver Stations (“BTS”) such as BTSs 504, 506, and 508. BTSs504, 506, 508, etc. are the access points where users of packet-basedmobile devices become connected to the wireless network. In exemplaryfashion, the packet traffic originating from user devices is transportedvia an over-the-air interface to a BTS 508, and from the BTS 508 to theBSC 502. Base station subsystems, such as BSS 500, are a part ofinternal frame relay network 510 that can include Service GPRS SupportNodes (“SGSN”) such as SGSN 512 and 514. Each SGSN is connected to aninternal packet network 520 through which a SGSN 512, 514, etc. canroute data packets to and from a plurality of gateway GPRS support nodes(GGSN) 522, 524, 526, etc. As illustrated, SGSN 514 and GGSNs 522, 524,and 526 are part of internal packet network 520. Gateway GPRS servingnodes 522, 524 and 526 mainly provide an interface to external InternetProtocol (“IP”) networks such as Public Land Mobile Network (“PLMN”)550, corporate intranets 540, or Fixed-End System (“FES”) or the publicInternet 530. As illustrated, subscriber corporate network 540 may beconnected to GGSN 524 via firewall 532; and PLMN 550 is connected toGGSN 524 via boarder gateway router 534. The Remote AuthenticationDial-In User Service (“RADIUS”) server 542 may be used for callerauthentication when a user of a mobile cellular device calls corporatenetwork 540.

Generally, there can be a several cell sizes in a GSM network, referredto as macro, micro, pico, femto and umbrella cells. The coverage area ofeach cell is different in different environments. Macro cells can beregarded as cells in which the base station antenna is installed in amast or a building above average roof top level. Micro cells are cellswhose antenna height is under average roof top level. Micro-cells aretypically used in urban areas. Pico cells are small cells having adiameter of a few dozen meters. Pico cells are used mainly indoors.Femto cells have the same size as pico cells, but a smaller transportcapacity. Femto cells are used indoors, in residential, or smallbusiness environments. On the other hand, umbrella cells are used tocover shadowed regions of smaller cells and fill in gaps in coveragebetween those cells.

FIG. 16 illustrates an architecture of a typical GPRS network in whichvisual voice mail can be implemented. The architecture depicted in FIG.16 is segmented into four groups: users 650, radio access network 660,core network 670, and interconnect network 680. Users 650 comprise aplurality of end users. Note, device 612 is referred to as a mobilesubscriber in the description of network shown in FIG. 16. In an exampleembodiment, the device depicted as mobile subscriber 612 comprises acommunications device (e.g., wireless anti-theft security M2M typedevice 36). Radio access network 660 comprises a plurality of basestation subsystems such as BSSs 662, which include BTSs 664 and BSCs666. Core network 670 comprises a host of various network elements. Asillustrated in FIG. 16, core network 670 may comprise Mobile SwitchingCenter (“MSC”) 671, Service Control Point (“SCP”) 672, gateway MSC 673,SGSN 676, Home Location Register (“HLR”) 674, Authentication Center(“AuC”) 675, Domain Name Server (“DNS”) 677, and GGSN 678. Interconnectnetwork 680 also comprises a host of various networks and other networkelements. As illustrated in FIG. 16, interconnect network 680 comprisesPublic Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”) 682, Fixed-End System (“FES”)or Internet 684, firewall 688, and Corporate Network 689.

A mobile switching center can be connected to a large number of basestation controllers. At MSC 671, for instance, depending on the type oftraffic, the traffic may be separated in that voice may be sent toPublic Switched Telephone Network (“PSTN”) 682 through Gateway MSC(“GMSC”) 673, and/or data may be sent to SGSN 676, which then sends thedata traffic to GGSN 678 for further forwarding.

When MSC 671 receives call traffic, for example, from BSC 666, it sendsa query to a database hosted by SCP 672. The SCP 672 processes therequest and issues a response to MSC 671 so that it may continue callprocessing as appropriate.

The HLR 674 is a centralized database for users to register to the GPRSnetwork. HLR 674 stores static information about the subscribers such asthe International Mobile Subscriber Identity (“IMSI”), subscribedservices, and a key for authenticating the subscriber. HLR 674 alsostores dynamic subscriber information such as the current location ofthe mobile subscriber. Associated with HLR 674 is AuC 675. AuC 675 is adatabase that contains the algorithms for authenticating subscribers andincludes the associated keys for encryption to safeguard the user inputfor authentication.

In the following, depending on context, the term “mobile subscriber”sometimes refers to the end user and sometimes to the actual portabledevice, such as a mobile device, used by an end user of the mobilecellular service. When a mobile subscriber turns on his or her mobiledevice, the mobile device goes through an attach process by which themobile device attaches to an SGSN of the GPRS network. When mobilesubscriber 612 initiates the attach process by turning on the networkcapabilities of the mobile device, an attach request is sent by mobilesubscriber 612 to SGSN 676. The SGSN 676 queries another SGSN, to whichmobile subscriber 612 was attached before, for the identity of mobilesubscriber 612. Upon receiving the identity of mobile subscriber 612from the other SGSN, SGSN 676 requests more information from mobilesubscriber 612. This information is used to authenticate mobilesubscriber 612 to SGSN 676 by HLR 674. Once verified, SGSN 676 sends alocation update to HLR 674 indicating the change of location to a newSGSN, in this case SGSN 676. HLR 674 notifies the old SGSN, to whichmobile subscriber 612 was attached before, to cancel the locationprocess for mobile subscriber 612. HLR 674 then notifies SGSN 676 thatthe location update has been performed. At this time, SGSN 676 sends anAttach Accept message to mobile subscriber 612, which in turn sends anAttach Complete message to SGSN 676.

After attaching itself with the network, mobile subscriber 612 then goesthrough the authentication process. In the authentication process, SGSN676 sends the authentication information to HLR 674, which sendsinformation back to SGSN 676 based on the user profile that was part ofthe user's initial setup. The SGSN 676 then sends a request forauthentication and ciphering to mobile subscriber 612. The mobilesubscriber 612 uses an algorithm to send the user identification (ID)and password to SGSN 676. The SGSN 676 uses the same algorithm andcompares the result. If a match occurs, SGSN 676 authenticates mobilesubscriber 612.

Next, the mobile subscriber 612 establishes a user session with thedestination network, corporate network 689, by going through a PacketData Protocol (“PDP”) activation process. Briefly, in the process,mobile subscriber 612 requests access to the Access Point Name (“APN”),for example, UPS.com, and SGSN 676 receives the activation request frommobile subscriber 612. SGSN 676 then initiates a Domain Name Service(“DNS”) query to learn which GGSN node has access to the UPS.com APN.The DNS query is sent to the DNS server within the core network 670,such as DNS 677, which is provisioned to map to one or more GGSN nodesin the core network 670. Based on the APN, the mapped GGSN 678 canaccess the requested corporate network 689. The SGSN 676 then sends toGGSN 678 a Create Packet Data Protocol (“PDP”) Context Request messagethat contains necessary information. The GGSN 678 sends a Create PDPContext Response message to SGSN 676, which then sends an Activate PDPContext Accept message to mobile subscriber 612.

Once activated, data packets of the call made by mobile subscriber 612can then go through radio access network 660, core network 670, andinterconnect network 680, in a particular fixed-end system or Internet684 and firewall 688, to reach corporate network 689.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary block diagram view of a GSM/GPRS/IPmultimedia network architecture within which visual voice mail systemscan be implemented. As illustrated, the architecture of FIG. 17 includesa GSM core network 701, a GPRS network 730 and an IP multimedia network738. The GSM core network 701 includes a Mobile Station (MS) 702, atleast one Base Transceiver Station (BTS) 704 and a Base StationController (BSC) 706. The MS 702 is physical equipment or MobileEquipment (ME), such as a mobile phone or a laptop computer that is usedby mobile subscribers, with a Subscriber identity Module (SIM) or aUniversal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). The SIM or UICC includes anInternational Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), which is a uniqueidentifier of a subscriber. The BTS 704 is physical equipment, such as aradio tower, that enables a radio interface to communicate with the MS.Each BTS may serve more than one MS. The BSC 706 manages radioresources, including the BTS. The BSC may be connected to several BTSs.The BSC and BTS components, in combination, are generally referred to asa base station (BSS) or radio access network (RAN) 703.

The GSM core network 701 also includes a Mobile Switching Center (MSC)708, a Gateway Mobile Switching Center (GMSC) 710, a Home LocationRegister (HLR) 712, Visitor Location Register (VLR) 714, anAuthentication Center (AuC) 718, and an Equipment Identity Register(EIR) 716. The MSC 708 performs a switching function for the network.The MSC also performs other functions, such as registration,authentication, location updating, handovers, and call routing. The GMSC710 provides a gateway between the GSM network and other networks, suchas an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) or Public SwitchedTelephone Networks (PSTNs) 720. Thus, the GMSC 710 provides interworkingfunctionality with external networks.

The HLR 712 is a database that contains administrative informationregarding each subscriber registered in a corresponding GSM network. TheHLR 712 also contains the current location of each MS. The VLR 714 is adatabase that contains selected administrative information from the HLR712. The VLR contains information necessary for call control andprovision of subscribed services for each MS currently located in ageographical area controlled by the VLR. The HLR 712 and the VLR 714,together with the MSC 708, provide the call routing and roamingcapabilities of GSM. The AuC 716 provides the parameters needed forauthentication and encryption functions. Such parameters allowverification of a subscriber's identity. The EIR 718 storessecurity-sensitive information about the mobile equipment.

A Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 709 allows one-to-one ShortMessage Service (SMS) messages to be sent to/from the MS 702. A PushProxy Gateway (PPG) 711 is used to “push” (i.e., send without asynchronous request) content to the MS 702. The PPG 711 acts as a proxybetween wired and wireless networks to facilitate pushing of data to theMS 702. A Short Message Peer to Peer (SMPP) protocol router 713 isprovided to convert SMS-based SMPP messages to cell broadcast messages.SMPP is a protocol for exchanging SMS messages between SMS peer entitiessuch as short message service centers. The SMPP protocol is often usedto allow third parties, e.g., content suppliers such as newsorganizations, to submit bulk messages.

To gain access to GSM services, such as speech, data, and short messageservice (SMS), the MS first registers with the network to indicate itscurrent location by performing a location update and IMSI attachprocedure. The MS 702 sends a location update including its currentlocation information to the MSC/VLR, via the BTS 704 and the BSC 706.The location information is then sent to the MS's HLR. The HLR isupdated with the location information received from the MSC/VLR. Thelocation update also is performed when the MS moves to a new locationarea. Typically, the location update is periodically performed to updatethe database as location updating events occur.

The GPRS network 730 is logically implemented on the GSM core networkarchitecture by introducing two packet-switching network nodes, aserving GPRS support node (SGSN) 732, a cell broadcast and a GatewayGPRS support node (GGSN) 734. The SGSN 732 is at the same hierarchicallevel as the MSC 708 in the GSM network. The SGSN controls theconnection between the GPRS network and the MS 702. The SGSN also keepstrack of individual MS's locations and security functions and accesscontrols.

A Cell Broadcast Center (CBC) 717 communicates cell broadcast messagesthat are typically delivered to multiple users in a specified area. CellBroadcast is one-to-many geographically focused service. It enablesmessages to be communicated to multiple mobile phone customers who arelocated within a given part of its network coverage area at the time themessage is broadcast.

The GGSN 734 provides a gateway between the GPRS network and a publicpacket network (PDN) or other IP networks 736. That is, the GGSNprovides interworking functionality with external networks, and sets upa logical link to the MS through the SGSN. When packet-switched dataleaves the GPRS network, it is transferred to an external TCP-IP network736, such as an X.25 network or the Internet. In order to access GPRSservices, the MS first attaches itself to the GPRS network by performingan attach procedure. The MS then activates a packet data protocol (PDP)context, thus activating a packet communication session between the MS,the SGSN, and the GGSN.

In a GSM/GPRS network, GPRS services and GSM services can be used inparallel. The MS can operate in one of three classes: class A, class B,and class C. A class A MS can attach to the network for both GPRSservices and GSM services simultaneously. A class A MS also supportssimultaneous operation of GPRS services and GSM services. For example,class A mobiles can receive GSM voice/data/SMS calls and GPRS data callsat the same time.

A class B MS can attach to the network for both GPRS services and GSMservices simultaneously. However, a class B MS does not supportsimultaneous operation of the GPRS services and GSM services. That is, aclass B MS can only use one of the two services at a given time.

A class C MS can attach for only one of the GPRS services and GSMservices at a time. Simultaneous attachment and operation of GPRSservices and GSM services is not possible with a class C MS.

A GPRS network 730 can be designed to operate in three network operationmodes (NOM1, NOM2 and NOM3). A network operation mode of a GPRS networkis indicated by a parameter in system information messages transmittedwithin a cell. The system information messages dictates a MS where tolisten for paging messages and how to signal towards the network. Thenetwork operation mode represents the capabilities of the GPRS network.In a NOM1 network, a MS can receive pages from a circuit switched domain(voice call) when engaged in a data call. The MS can suspend the datacall or take both simultaneously, depending on the ability of the MS. Ina NOM2 network, a MS may not receive pages from a circuit switcheddomain when engaged in a data call, since the MS is receiving data andis not listening to a paging channel. In a NOM3 network, a MS canmonitor pages for a circuit switched network while received data andvice versa.

The IP multimedia network 738 was introduced with 3GPP Release 7, andincludes an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) 740 to provide rich multimediaservices to end users. A representative set of the network entitieswithin the IMS 740 are a call/session control function (CSCF), a mediagateway control function (MGCF) 746, a media gateway (MGW) 748, and amaster subscriber database, called a home subscriber server (HSS) 750.The HSS 750 may be common to the GSM network 701, the GPRS network 730as well as the IP multimedia network 738.

The IP multimedia system 740 is built around the call/session controlfunction, of which there are three types: an interrogating CSCF (I-CSCF)743, a proxy CSCF (P-CSCF) 742, and a serving CSCF (S-CSCF) 744. TheP-CSCF 742 is the MS's first point of contact with the IMS 740. TheP-CSCF 742 forwards session initiation protocol (SIP) messages receivedfrom the MS to an SIP server in a home network (and vice versa) of theMS. The P-CSCF 742 may also modify an outgoing request according to aset of rules defined by the network operator (for example, addressanalysis and potential modification).

The I-CSCF 743, forms an entrance to a home network and hides the innertopology of the home network from other networks and providesflexibility for selecting an S-CSCF. The I-CSCF 743 may contact asubscriber location function (SLF) 745 to determine which HSS 750 to usefor the particular subscriber, if multiple HSS's 750 are present. TheS-CSCF 744 performs the session control services for the MS 702. Thisincludes routing originating sessions to external networks and routingterminating sessions to visited networks. The S-CSCF 744 also decideswhether an application server (AS) 752 is required to receiveinformation on an incoming SIP session request to ensure appropriateservice handling. This decision is based on information received fromthe HSS 750 (or other sources, such as an application server 752). TheAS 752 also communicates to a location server 756 (e.g., a GatewayMobile Location Center (GMLC)) that provides a position (e.g.,latitude/longitude coordinates) of the MS 702.

The HSS 750 contains a subscriber profile and keeps track of which corenetwork node is currently handling the subscriber. It also supportssubscriber authentication and authorization functions (AAA). In networkswith more than one HSS 750, a subscriber location function providesinformation on the HSS 750 that contains the profile of a givensubscriber.

The MGCF 746 provides interworking functionality between SIP sessioncontrol signaling from the IMS 740 and ISUP/BICC call control signalingfrom the external GSTN networks (not shown). It also controls the mediagateway (MGW) 748 that provides user-plane interworking functionality(e.g., converting between AMR- and PCM-coded voice). The MGW 748 alsocommunicates with other IP multimedia networks 754.

Push to Talk over Cellular (PoC) capable mobile phones register with thewireless network when the phones are in a predefined area (e.g., jobsite, etc.). When the mobile phones leave the area, they register withthe network in their new location as being outside the predefined area.This registration, however, does not indicate the actual physicallocation of the mobile phones outside the pre-defined area.

FIG. 18 illustrates a PLMN block diagram view of an exemplaryarchitecture in which visual voice mail systems may be incorporated.Mobile Station (MS) 801 is the physical equipment used by the PLMNsubscriber. In one illustrative embodiment, communications device 436may serve as Mobile Station 801. Mobile Station 801 may be one of, butnot limited to, a cellular telephone, a cellular telephone incombination with another electronic device or any other wireless mobilecommunication device.

Mobile Station 801 may communicate wirelessly with Base Station System(BSS) 810. BSS 810 contains a Base Station Controller (BSC) 811 and aBase Transceiver Station (BTS) 812. BSS 810 may include a single BSC811/BTS 812 pair (Base Station) or a system of BSC/BTS pairs which arepart of a larger network. BSS 810 is responsible for communicating withMobile Station 801 and may support one or more cells. BSS 810 isresponsible for handling cellular traffic and signaling between MobileStation 801 and Core Network 840. Typically, BSS 810 performs functionsthat include, but are not limited to, digital conversion of speechchannels, allocation of channels to mobile devices, paging, andtransmission/reception of cellular signals.

Additionally, Mobile Station 801 may communicate wirelessly with RadioNetwork System (RNS) 820. RNS 820 contains a Radio Network Controller(RNC) 821 and one or more Node(s) B 822. RNS 820 may support one or morecells. RNS 820 may also include one or more RNC 821/Node B 822 pairs oralternatively a single RNC 821 may manage multiple Nodes B 822. RNS 820is responsible for communicating with Mobile Station 801 in itsgeographically defined area. RNC 821 is responsible for controlling theNode(s) B 822 that are connected to it and is a control element in aUMTS radio access network. RNC 821 performs functions such as, but notlimited to, load control, packet scheduling, handover control, securityfunctions, as well as controlling Mobile Station 801's access to theCore Network (CN) 840.

The evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) 830 is aradio access network that provides wireless data communications forMobile Station 801 and User Equipment 802. E-UTRAN 830 provides higherdata rates than traditional UMTS. It is part of the Long Term Evolution(LTE) upgrade for mobile networks and later releases meet therequirements of the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)Advanced and are commonly known as a 4G networks. E-UTRAN 830 mayinclude of series of logical network components such as E-UTRAN Node B(eNB) 831 and E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) 832. E-UTRAN 830 may contain one ormore eNBs. User Equipment 802 may be any user device capable ofconnecting to E-UTRAN 830 including, but not limited to, a personalcomputer, laptop, mobile device, wireless router, or other devicecapable of wireless connectivity to E-UTRAN 830. The improvedperformance of the E-UTRAN 830 relative to a typical UMTS network allowsfor increased bandwidth, spectral efficiency, and functionalityincluding, but not limited to, voice, high-speed applications, largedata transfer and IPTV, while still allowing for full mobility.

An exemplary embodiment of a mobile data and communication service thatmay be implemented in the PLMN architecture is the Enhanced Data ratesfor GSM Evolution (EDGE). EDGE is an enhancement for GPRS networks thatimplements an improved signal modulation scheme known as 8-PSK (PhaseShift Keying). By increasing network utilization, EDGE may achieve up tothree times faster data rates as compared to a typical GPRS network.EDGE may be implemented on any GSM network capable of hosting a GPRSnetwork, making it an ideal upgrade over GPRS since it may provideincreased functionality of existing network resources. Evolved EDGEnetworks are becoming standardized in later releases of the radiotelecommunication standards, which provide for even greater efficiencyand peak data rates of up to 1 Mbit/s, while still allowingimplementation on existing GPRS-capable network infrastructure.

Typically Mobile Station 801 may communicate with any or all of BSS 810,RNS 820, or E-UTRAN 830. In a illustrative system, each of BSS 810, RNS820, and E-UTRAN 830 may provide Mobile Station 801 with access to CoreNetwork 840. The Core Network 840 may include of a series of devicesthat route data and communications between end users. Core Network 840may provide network service functions to users in the Circuit Switched(CS) domain, the Packet Switched (PS) domain or both. The CS domainrefers to connections in which dedicated network resources are allocatedat the time of connection establishment and then released when theconnection is terminated. The PS domain refers to communications anddata transfers that make use of autonomous groupings of bits calledpackets. Each packet may be routed, manipulated, processed or handledindependently of all other packets in the PS domain and does not requirededicated network resources.

The Circuit Switched—Media Gateway Function (CS-MGW) 841 is part of CoreNetwork 840, and interacts with Visitor Location Register (VLR) andMobile-Services Switching Center (MSC) Server 860 and Gateway MSC Server861 in order to facilitate Core Network 840 resource control in the CSdomain. Functions of CS-MGW 841 include, but are not limited to, mediaconversion, bearer control, payload processing and other mobile networkprocessing such as handover or anchoring. CS-MGW 840 may receiveconnections to Mobile Station 801 through BSS 810, RNS 820 or both.

Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) 842 stores subscriber data regardingMobile Station 801 in order to facilitate network functionality. SGSN842 may store subscription information such as, but not limited to, theInternational Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI), temporary identities,or Packet Data Protocol (PDP) addresses. SGSN 842 may also storelocation information such as, but not limited to, the Gateway GPRSSupport Node (GGSN) 844 address for each GGSN where an active PDPexists. GGSN 844 may implement a location register function to storesubscriber data it receives from SGSN 842 such as subscription orlocation information.

Serving Gateway (S-GW) 843 is an interface which provides connectivitybetween E-UTRAN 830 and Core Network 840. Functions of S-GW 843 include,but are not limited to, packet routing, packet forwarding, transportlevel packet processing, event reporting to Policy and Charging RulesFunction (PCRF) 850, and mobility anchoring for inter-network mobility.PCRF 850 uses information gathered from S-GW 843, as well as othersources, to make applicable policy and charging decisions related todata flows, network resources and other network administrationfunctions. Packet Data Network Gateway (PDN-GW) 845 may provideuser-to-services connectivity functionality including, but not limitedto, network-wide mobility anchoring, bearer session anchoring andcontrol, and IP address allocation for PS domain connections.

Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 863 is a database for user information, andstores subscription data regarding Mobile Station 801 or User Equipment802 for handling calls or data sessions. Networks may contain one HSS863 or more if additional resources are required. Exemplary data storedby HSS 863 include, but is not limited to, user identification,numbering and addressing information, security information, or locationinformation. HSS 863 may also provide call or session establishmentprocedures in both the PS and CS domains.

The VLR/MSC Server 860 provides user location functionality. When MobileStation 801 enters a new network location, it begins a registrationprocedure. A MSC Server for that location transfers the locationinformation to the VLR for the area. A VLR and MSC Server may be locatedin the same computing environment, as is shown by VLR/MSC Server 860, oralternatively may be located in separate computing environments. A VLRmay contain, but is not limited to, user information such as the IMSI,the Temporary Mobile Station Identity (TMSI), the Local Mobile StationIdentity (LMSI), the last known location of the mobile station, or theSGSN where the mobile station was previously registered. The MSC servermay contain information such as, but not limited to, procedures forMobile Station 801 registration or procedures for handover of MobileStation 801 to a different section of the Core Network 840. GMSC Server861 may serve as a connection to alternate GMSC Servers for other mobilestations in larger networks.

Equipment Identity Register (EIR) 862 is a logical element which maystore the International Mobile Equipment Identities (IMEI) for MobileStation 801. In a typical embodiment, user equipment may be classifiedas either “white listed” or “black listed” depending on its status inthe network. In one embodiment, if Mobile Station 801 is stolen and putto use by an unauthorized user, it may be registered as “black listed”in EIR 862, preventing its use on the network. Mobility ManagementEntity (MME) 864 is a control node which may track Mobile Station 801 orUser Equipment 802 if the devices are idle. Additional functionality mayinclude the ability of MME 864 to contact an idle Mobile Station 801 orUser Equipment 802 if retransmission of a previous session is required.

While example embodiments of visual voice mail systems have beendescribed in connection with various computing devices/processors, theunderlying concepts can be applied to any computing device, processor,or system capable of receiving visual voice mail notifications asdescribed herein. The methods and apparatuses for visual voice mailapplications, or certain aspects or portions thereof, can take the formof program code (i.e., instructions) embodied in tangible storage mediahaving a physical structure, such as floppy diskettes, CD-ROMs, harddrives, or any other machine-readable storage medium having a physicaltangible structure (computer-readable storage medium), wherein, when theprogram code is loaded into and executed by a machine, such as acomputer, the machine becomes an apparatus for visual voice mailapplications. A computer-readable storage medium, as described herein isan article of manufacture, and thus, not to be construed as a transitorysignal. In the case of program code execution on programmable computers,the computing device will generally include a processor, a storagemedium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatilememory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at leastone output device. The program(s) can be implemented in assembly ormachine language, if desired. The language can be a compiled orinterpreted language, and combined with hardware implementations.

While the present invention has been described in connection with thevarious embodiments of the various figures, it is to be understood thatother similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions canbe made to the described embodiment for performing the same functionwithout deviating therefrom. For example, one skilled in the art willrecognize that the definitions and scopes of visual voice mail mayinclude audio voice mail only and may apply to any environment, whetherwired or wireless, and may be applied to any number of such devicesconnected via a communications network and interacting across thenetwork. Moreover, the individual embodiments have been describedseparately, but one or more of such embodiments may be combined based ona number of factors, including network design, efficiency, customerpreference, or any other design, implementation or cost criteria.Therefore, the method and system of the present disclosure should not belimited to any single embodiment, but rather should be construed inbreadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, by a device of asubscriber, a voice mail message; determining if the subscriber is amember of a group of members; upon a determination that the subscriberis a member of the group, distributing the voice mail message toremaining members of the group; upon a determination that the subscriberis not a member of the group, not distributing the voice mail message;combining the voice mail message with a second voice mail messagereceived by a member of the group other than the subscriber to generatea combined voice mail message; and providing the combined voice mailmessage to the members of the group.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: converting the voice mail message to a text message; upon adetermination that the subscriber is a member of the group, distributingthe text message to remaining members of the group; and upon adetermination that the subscriber is not a member of the group, notdistributing the text mail message.
 3. The method of claim 2, furthercomprising: upon a determination that the subscriber is a member of thegroup, distributing the text message and the voice mail message toremaining members of the group.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein themembers of group are part of a social networking group.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the subscriber distributes voice mail message toselected members of the group.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising; responsive to receiving the voice mail message, condensingcontent of the voice mail message to generate a summary; and upon adetermination that the subscriber is a member of the group, distributingthe summary to members of the group.
 7. An apparatus comprising: aprocessor; and memory coupled to the processor, the memory comprisingexecutable instructions that when executed by the processor cause theprocessor to effectuate operations comprising: receiving, by a device ofa subscriber, a voice mail message; determining if the subscriber is amember of a group of members; upon a determination that the subscriberis a member of the group, distributing the voice mail message toremaining members of the group; upon a determination that the subscriberis not a member of the group, not distributing the voice mail message;combining the voice mail message with a second voice mail messagereceived by a member of the group other than the subscriber to generatea combined voice mail message; and providing the combined voice mailmessage to the members of the group.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, theoperations further comprising: converting the voice mail message to atext message; upon a determination that the subscriber is a member ofthe group, distributing the text message to remaining members of thegroup; and upon a determination that the subscriber is not a member ofthe group, not distributing the text mail message to members of thegroup.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, the operations further comprising:responsive to receiving the voice mail message, condensing content ofthe voice mail message to generate a summary; and upon a determinationthat the subscriber is a member of the group, distributing the summaryto members of the group.
 10. A method comprising: receiving, by adevice, a voice mail message for an intended recipient; determining thatthe intended recipient is not available to listen to the voice mailmessage; responsive to determining that the intended recipient is notavailable to listen to the voice mail message, converting the voice mailmessage to a text message; partitioning the text message into aplurality of segments; providing, to the intended recipient, access to afirst segment of the plurality of segments; providing the first segmentto a second recipient other than the intended recipient; providing, tothe intended recipient, a second segment of the plurality of segments,responsive to receipt of an indication from the intended recipient foranother segment; and providing the second segment to the secondrecipient independent of whether there is a receipt of an indicationfrom the intended recipient.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein theintended recipient and the second recipient are part of a same socialnetwork.
 12. A computer-readable storage medium comprising executableinstructions that when executed by a processor cause the processor toeffectuate operations comprising: receiving, by a device of asubscriber, a voice mail message; determining if the subscriber is amember of a group of members; upon a determination that the subscriberis a member of the group, distributing the voice mail message toremaining members of the group; upon a determination that the subscriberis not a member of the group, not distributing the voice mail message;combining the voice mail message with a second voice message received bya member of the group other than the subscriber to generate a combinedvoice mail message; and providing the combined voice mail message to themembers of the group.
 13. The computer-readable medium of claim 12, theoperations further comprising: converting the voice mail message to atext message; upon a determination that the subscriber is a member ofthe group, distributing the text message to remaining members of thegroup; and upon a determination that the subscriber is not a member ofthe group, not distributing the text mail message to members of thegroup.
 14. The computer-readable medium of claim 12, the operationsfurther comprising: responsive to receiving the voice mail message,condensing content of the voice mail message to generate a summary; andupon a determination that the subscriber is a member of the group,distributing the summary to members of the group.